The Purge: Anarchy Dominates Netflix as Viewers Crave Thrills

On November 3, 2025, the dystopian thriller The Purge: Anarchy has emerged as a surprise hit on Netflix, surging in popularity and outperforming the anime juggernaut KPop Demon Hunters on the platform's Top 10 movies chart.

The sequel to the 2013 film The Purge, Anarchy expands the original's high-concept premise of "once-a-year legal crime" by taking the action to the streets, rather than keeping it confined to a single household. With a larger budget, the film allows for more creative world-building and exploration of how different socioeconomic classes experience the Purge differently.

Leading the charge is actor Frank Grillo, who delivers a standout performance as Leo Barnes, an off-duty cop seeking revenge during the Purge. Grillo's commanding presence and ability to portray a complex, sympathetic character have been praised, despite the film's occasionally clunky dialogue.

While The Purge: Anarchy may not be the most intelligent or profound thought experiment, it represents a significant step up from its predecessor, offering a more engaging and exciting cinematic experience for viewers craving thrills and chills in the aftermath of Halloween.